The High Court has refused an application for bail filed on behalf of Salomey Awiti Baffoe, a 40-year-old Senior Nursing Officer from Techiman, after the prosecution opposed her release on the grounds that she is still required to assist with ongoing investigations.

The court, in its ruling on Thursday, September 24, 2026, held that the investigation into the case was cyber-related and found that releasing the accused at this stage posed a real risk of interference with witnesses. It consequently declined to grant bail but directed the Republic to expedite its investigations.

Salomey Awiti Baffoe is facing a charge of allegedly abetting the publication of false news in connection with the high-profile “Ghana Jollof” TikTok case. Her continued detention followed the State’s position that investigations into the matter had not yet been completed.

Defence pushes for bail

Counsel for the accused, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, had urged the court to admit his client to bail, relying on the constitutional presumption of innocence and her entitlement to bail.

He argued that the burden rested on the prosecution to demonstrate why bail should not be granted, and submitted that the State had failed to provide sufficient grounds to justify continued detention.

According to counsel, the prosecution had relied largely on bare depositions without presenting adequate evidence to establish why the accused should remain in custody while the case was being investigated.

Charge is a misdemeanour

The defence further argued that the charge against Ms Baffoe was a misdemeanour and did not carry the level of gravity that would ordinarily justify the refusal of bail.

Counsel also challenged the prosecution’s concerns that the accused could interfere with investigations or witnesses if released, insisting that no evidence had been presented to substantiate such a risk.

He therefore urged the court to consider the circumstances of the accused and grant her bail pending the conclusion of investigations and determination of the case.

Mother’s circumstances cited

The defence also drew the court’s attention to Ms Baffoe’s personal circumstances, particularly her responsibilities as a mother of minor children.

Counsel told the court that one of her children was due to enrol in Senior High School, but that the accused’s continued detention was affecting the child’s enrolment and ability to make the necessary arrangements.

He argued that the personal and family circumstances of the accused further supported the case for her release on bail, subject to conditions the court might deem appropriate.

State opposes release

The prosecution, however, strongly opposed the bail application and asked the court to keep Ms Baffoe in custody.

The State argued that the accused was still required to assist the police with their investigations, making her release at that stage potentially detrimental to the ongoing process.

The prosecution further told the court that investigators needed Ms Baffoe to remain in custody to assist them in tracing a second accused person identified as “Ghana Jollof”.

Court cites witness interference risk

In its ruling, the court placed emphasis on the nature of the investigation, noting that the case involved cyber-related investigations.

The court concluded that releasing the accused at that stage presented a real risk of interference with witnesses and, on that basis, declined to grant the bail application.

The court nevertheless directed the Republic to expedite its investigations, effectively requiring the State to move the process forward rather than allowing the matter to remain pending indefinitely.

Ms Baffoe will therefore remain in custody as investigations continue into the allegations arising from the “Ghana Jollof” TikTok case.